The 49ers might be one of the hotter teams in the league right now, but it’s not enough for the NFL to keep them in prime time.
San Francisco’s divisional matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks on December 5 has been flexed out of the Sunday night slot, and moved to a 1:25 p.m. start time in Seattle. Chiefs-Broncos will get the night game on NBC.
The move by the NFL is more of a commentary on the Seahawks, who are 3-7 and coming off a 23-13 loss at the hands of the Cardinals. The Seahawks have scored just 30 points in their last four games, and 13 in their last two with Russell Wilson back at the helm.
Like much of the 49ers remaining schedule, the game will be massive for San Francisco who at 5-5 will likely be battling for one of the final playoff spots until the final weeks of the season. If the 49ers beat the Vikings on Sunday, the game vs. Seattle will give them a chance to separate themselves at the bottom of the NFC Wild Card race. If they lose to Minnesota, the Seahawks game will basically be a must win.
Maybe that’s not enticing enough for the national audience, but it sure will draw some eyeballs locally.